Swim coach charged in alleged sex assault of a minor

Trent McNichol, the head swim coach of the Whitby Dolphins Swim Club, has been charged after a young person associated with the club alleged they were touched in an inappropriate manner.

Mr. McNichol, 42, was arrested by the major crime sexual assault and child abuse unit of the Durham Regional Police last week after the young victim – who was a minor at the time of the alleged assault according to a Swimming Canada source – recently came forward and made a complaint to police.

The alleged offences occurred between the years 2005-2007. The sex and age of the young person is not being released.

Mr. McNichol has been charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation and was held for a bail hearing.

Investigators are checking for any other alleged victims.

"We find this circumstance very disturbing and view this as a very serious and unfortunate issue," said Jean-Francois Potvin, president of the Whitby swim club.

"The Whitby Dolphins Swim Club is fully co-operating with law enforcement officers during this investigation.

"We feel that every child that sets foot onto our pool decks has the right to a safe environment and that every parent should feel confident that competent and model citizens look after their child."

At the time of his employment, the coach was a member of the Canadian Swimming Coaches and Teachers of Canada (CSCTA), Swimming Canada, Swim Ontario and Coaches of Canada, said a statement from Swimming Canada.

The national federation said it was told by Coaches of Canada and the CSCTA that when he was arrested, the coach's membership was in good standing and he had submitted a form of police record when he registered with Coaches of Canada.

"During this investigation, the individual's membership privileges have been suspended by Swim Ontario, Swimming Canada and CSCTA," a Swimming Canada statement said.

The Whitby Dolphins Swim Club terminated his employment when informed of the charges by the local law enforcement, the statement said.

"At no time during this coach's appointment with the Whitby Dolphins, did we observe unethical or criminal behaviour on his behalf," a statement from the club assured parents. "If such an instance arises, immediate action is taken."

The national federation said the matter is now in police hands and it cannot provide further comment.